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Fri, 09 Dec 2016 19:19:55 -0500Threads - SusanKhalje's postsThreads - SusanKhalje's postshttp://www.threadsmagazine.com/assets/images/cs_logo_sm.jpghttp://www.threadsmagazine.com/profile/SusanKhalje
Mon, 14 Mar 2016 05:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/41520/sewing-inspiration-susan-khalje-shares-couture-work-by-her-students
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/41520/sewing-inspiration-susan-khalje-shares-couture-work-by-her-students
Posted by SusanKhalje
I'm often asked where I get my inspiration. Much of the time, it's from my students. I hope you'll be similarly inspired. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/41520/sewing-inspiration-susan-khalje-shares-couture-work-by-her-studentsMon, 20 Oct 2014 13:39:28 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/39462/take-a-tour-inside-a-chic-couture-skirt
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/39462/take-a-tour-inside-a-chic-couture-skirt
Posted by SusanKhalje
A skirt found in a Parisian flea market consignment shop was full of charming touches. Here, I'll give you a tour inside this tweed skirt taking a close look at its construction details found in an unexpected places. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/39462/take-a-tour-inside-a-chic-couture-skirtWed, 03 Sep 2014 10:27:07 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/38139/sew-a-couture-lace-skirt
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/38139/sew-a-couture-lace-skirt
Posted by SusanKhalje
An easy and wearable garment teaches essential guipure sewing techniques. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/38139/sew-a-couture-lace-skirtMon, 21 Jul 2014 13:18:51 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/37730/how-to-finish-seams-on-chantilly-lace
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/37730/how-to-finish-seams-on-chantilly-lace
Posted by SusanKhalje
There are a variety of methods for seaming lace. However, they can be challenging if working with delicate lace such as Chantilly. I'll show you a clever technique for finishing seams on tricky lace fabrics. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/37730/how-to-finish-seams-on-chantilly-laceWed, 23 Apr 2014 15:15:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/36511/how-to-sculpt-with-pleats
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/36511/how-to-sculpt-with-pleats
Posted by SusanKhalje
Fold fabric like Madame Grès and create works of art. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/36511/how-to-sculpt-with-pleatsTue, 01 Apr 2014 08:32:04 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/35794/how-to-support-a-dramatic-sleeve-cap
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/35794/how-to-support-a-dramatic-sleeve-cap
Posted by SusanKhalje
When it comes to adding support to sleeve caps, you have a variety of options: standard, shaped, extended shoulder pads, and all manner of sleeve heads. In this case, we needed something different; we needed a little internal support. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/35794/how-to-support-a-dramatic-sleeve-capTue, 04 Feb 2014 14:20:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33619/combine-topstitching-and-binding-for-an-elegant-seam-finish
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33619/combine-topstitching-and-binding-for-an-elegant-seam-finish
Posted by SusanKhalje
Sometimes seams need to be bound. Other times they need to be topstitched. Here, I'll show you how the two elements have been combined to produce an elegant seam finish. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33619/combine-topstitching-and-binding-for-an-elegant-seam-finishTue, 22 Oct 2013 09:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33565/an-interesting-embellishment-technique
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33565/an-interesting-embellishment-technique
Posted by SusanKhalje
It's rare to see something new and different in the sewing world, so I was intrigued by an embellished fabric that a student brought to class. I'll show you how to re-create this technique. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33565/an-interesting-embellishment-techniqueTue, 24 Sep 2013 14:37:53 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/32382/how-to-make-a-hidden-button-placket
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/32382/how-to-make-a-hidden-button-placket
Posted by SusanKhalje
This placket is subtle, simple, and easy to make. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/32382/how-to-make-a-hidden-button-placketTue, 18 Jun 2013 08:49:41 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/31403/re-create-couture-pleated-silk-organza-panels
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/31403/re-create-couture-pleated-silk-organza-panels
Posted by SusanKhalje
There's a little more to these pleated silk organza panels than meets the eye. Here's how to make them look absolutely beautiful! ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/31403/re-create-couture-pleated-silk-organza-panelsTue, 16 Apr 2013 16:07:16 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/30574/create-gentle-inner-support-with-horsehair
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/30574/create-gentle-inner-support-with-horsehair
Posted by SusanKhalje
Yes, there's boning. But there are other tools at your disposal too, among them horsehair. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/30574/create-gentle-inner-support-with-horsehairThu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/28953/couture-construction
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/28953/couture-construction
Posted by SusanKhalje
In this article, Susan Khalje walks you through putting a garment together with couture methods. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/28953/couture-constructionTue, 12 Mar 2013 09:42:14 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29867/how-to-dye-silk-organza
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29867/how-to-dye-silk-organza
Posted by SusanKhalje
It can be difficult to find exactly the right shade of silk organza; especially if it's to be used under lace and meant to match one's skin tone. Here, I'll show you how I do it. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29867/how-to-dye-silk-organzaMon, 24 Dec 2012 10:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29266/couture-techniques-for-a-better-fitting-waistband
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29266/couture-techniques-for-a-better-fitting-waistband
Posted by SusanKhalje
Couture expert Susan Khalje shares her techniques and tips on how to add hooks, eyes, snaps, and other small finishing details to achieve a better fitting waistband. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29266/couture-techniques-for-a-better-fitting-waistbandTue, 23 Oct 2012 12:56:33 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/27608/firming-up-fabrics-with-gelatine
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/27608/firming-up-fabrics-with-gelatine
Posted by SusanKhalje
Stabilizing fabrics is nothing new - and it can be a big help. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/27608/firming-up-fabrics-with-gelatineThu, 20 Sep 2012 12:33:16 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/27318/how-to-underline-garments
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/27318/how-to-underline-garments
Posted by SusanKhalje
Learn how to select the correct underlining, and how to mark it and join it to the fashion fabric.
]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/27318/how-to-underline-garmentsTue, 12 Jun 2012 00:55:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22872/how-to-work-with-lace-fabric
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22872/how-to-work-with-lace-fabric
Posted by SusanKhalje
With these skills you will find that lace is versatile, forgiving, and surprisingly easy to sew. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22872/how-to-work-with-lace-fabricMon, 26 Mar 2012 06:45:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22738/eliminate-separate-facings-for-elegant-edges
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22738/eliminate-separate-facings-for-elegant-edges
Posted by SusanKhalje
Apply a lining to a curved neckline and an armhole edge for an elegant couture technique. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22738/eliminate-separate-facings-for-elegant-edgesWed, 15 Feb 2012 16:30:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22845/inside-a-designer-jacket
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22845/inside-a-designer-jacket
Posted by SusanKhalje
Learn the four key features of a Chanel-style jacket. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22845/inside-a-designer-jacketMon, 30 Jan 2012 09:16:12 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22436/how-to-use-pins-the-right-way
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22436/how-to-use-pins-the-right-way
Posted by SusanKhalje
Sometimes it's the simple things that need to be given a little thought. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22436/how-to-use-pins-the-right-wayMon, 05 Dec 2011 11:51:22 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/21948/creating-a-minifacing
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/21948/creating-a-minifacing
Posted by SusanKhalje
Mini-facings, right in the corners of a square neckline, stabilize angled seams without needing separate facings. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/21948/creating-a-minifacingMon, 10 Oct 2011 07:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/20175/the-work-of-weaver-teresa-kennard
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/20175/the-work-of-weaver-teresa-kennard
Posted by SusanKhalje
Take a look inside the work of this talented weaver. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/20175/the-work-of-weaver-teresa-kennardTue, 30 Aug 2011 16:45:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22858/setting-a-sleeve-by-hand
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22858/setting-a-sleeve-by-hand
Posted by SusanKhalje
This lesson on sewing a sleeve into a jacket by hand is unquestionably a master class technique. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22858/setting-a-sleeve-by-handMon, 01 Aug 2011 13:45:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19466/hand-understitching
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19466/hand-understitching
Posted by SusanKhalje
There are subtle differences between garments that are hand-understitched and those understitched by machine. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19466/hand-understitchingMon, 25 Jul 2011 10:35:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19548/a-pretty-blue-coat
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19548/a-pretty-blue-coat
Posted by SusanKhalje
At first glance, it's a simple little coat. But a closer look shows a number of well-thought-out details. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19548/a-pretty-blue-coatMon, 11 Jul 2011 08:56:30 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18894/hanging-a-garment-properly
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18894/hanging-a-garment-properly
Posted by SusanKhalje
Certainly, the lion's share of making a garment is in the designing, the fitting and the sewing - but there are always a few little finishing details to take care of, and among those is how to hang the finished item just the right way. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18894/hanging-a-garment-properlyMon, 23 May 2011 13:05:52 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18875/creating-perfect-bias-fabric-loops
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18875/creating-perfect-bias-fabric-loops
Posted by SusanKhalje
It's all in the details (well, not all of it), but an otherwise nicely-made garment can be spoiled by less-than-perfect finishing touches. Here's a guide to creating perfect fabric loops. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18875/creating-perfect-bias-fabric-loopsMon, 09 May 2011 12:36:44 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18895/a-nice-little-suit
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18895/a-nice-little-suit
Posted by SusanKhalje
A consignment shop find is full of wonderful touches, both inside and out. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18895/a-nice-little-suitWed, 13 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22891/how-to-keep-strapless-garments-in-place
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22891/how-to-keep-strapless-garments-in-place
Posted by SusanKhalje
Careful fitting goes a long way towards keeping a formfitting garment in place. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22891/how-to-keep-strapless-garments-in-placeWed, 30 Mar 2011 15:35:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22804/little-black-dress-from-start-to-finish
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22804/little-black-dress-from-start-to-finish
Posted by SusanKhalje
What is it that makes the little black dress so coveted? ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22804/little-black-dress-from-start-to-finishTue, 08 Mar 2011 13:31:10 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18260/the-other-side-of-couture
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18260/the-other-side-of-couture
Posted by SusanKhalje
Take a look at the beautiful jackets Mary Ellen Velky wears when competing on horseback. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/18260/the-other-side-of-coutureMon, 31 Jan 2011 09:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17722/inside-a-silk-charmeuse-jacket
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17722/inside-a-silk-charmeuse-jacket
Posted by SusanKhalje
I had a chance to re-visit a jacket I'd made some time back for a client - I thought you might like to see the inside story! ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17722/inside-a-silk-charmeuse-jacketSun, 30 Jan 2011 15:55:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22815/create-ripple-free-piping
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22815/create-ripple-free-piping
Posted by SusanKhalje
Sewers of all levels can definitely tackle this wonderful design detail. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22815/create-ripple-free-pipingSun, 30 Jan 2011 15:50:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22814/revisit-retro-details
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22814/revisit-retro-details
Posted by SusanKhalje
Learn techniques for tying knots with padded cord and how to finish a bound buttonhole. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22814/revisit-retro-detailsWed, 26 Jan 2011 16:20:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22608/how-to-use-muslin
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22608/how-to-use-muslin
Posted by SusanKhalje
Sewing and altering a muslin test garment is time-consuming but essential to developing a beautifully fitted couture garment. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22608/how-to-use-muslinMon, 20 Dec 2010 11:46:36 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17289/balenciaga-in-new-york
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17289/balenciaga-in-new-york
Posted by SusanKhalje
There's a wonderful exhibit in New York - more than 70 of the great Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga's items are on show at The Queen Sofia Spanish Institute. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17289/balenciaga-in-new-yorkMon, 15 Nov 2010 10:10:13 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/16445/sewing-findings-on-securely
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/16445/sewing-findings-on-securely
Posted by SusanKhalje
It's disappointing to look inside an otherwise nicely-sewn garment and see snaps or hooks and eyes that are poorly sewn on. Happily, couture comes to the rescue with a technique that elegantly combines form and function. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/16445/sewing-findings-on-securelyMon, 01 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/16428/how-to-cover-snaps
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/16428/how-to-cover-snaps
Posted by SusanKhalje
Fine finishing details are a hallmark of beautifully-sewn clothing. Here's an easy technique to add to your repertoire. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/16428/how-to-cover-snapsMon, 20 Sep 2010 14:53:36 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15815/more-vintage-inspiration
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15815/more-vintage-inspiration
Posted by SusanKhalje
Take a look at this sampling of exquisite vintage garments; This time from the collection of a murder-mystery writer, who uses them for inspiration. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15815/more-vintage-inspirationMon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:06 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15177/carlas-opera-coat
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15177/carlas-opera-coat
Posted by SusanKhalje
An elegant couture opera coat from the 60's inspires and educates ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15177/carlas-opera-coatMon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14985/zipper-madness
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14985/zipper-madness
Posted by SusanKhalje
There are times when a zipper is much more than a simple and unobtrusive closure. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14985/zipper-madnessFri, 25 Jun 2010 10:16:52 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14669/thread-bars
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14669/thread-bars
Posted by SusanKhalje
There are lots of options for closures, and thread bars are often overlooked. Best of all, they're nice and sturdy, and fun to make, too. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14669/thread-barsMon, 17 May 2010 09:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/13713/substance-a-boutique-with-a-conscience
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/13713/substance-a-boutique-with-a-conscience
Posted by SusanKhalje
Betsy Stevenson designs a collection for a Columbus, Ohio boutique that has a strong social conscience. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/13713/substance-a-boutique-with-a-conscienceMon, 03 May 2010 09:50:27 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12713/sewing-perfect-matchpoints-on-intersecting-seams
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12713/sewing-perfect-matchpoints-on-intersecting-seams
Posted by SusanKhalje
Lining up intersecting seams can be tricky - despite careful pinning, things often shift. Here are a few techniques to improve your results! ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12713/sewing-perfect-matchpoints-on-intersecting-seamsMon, 22 Mar 2010 12:12:09 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12712/vintage-inspiration
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12712/vintage-inspiration
Posted by SusanKhalje
A look through the vintage garment collection of my friend Cindy Dahlin. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12712/vintage-inspirationMon, 15 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/11236/working-with-embellished-fabrics-part-2
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/11236/working-with-embellished-fabrics-part-2
Posted by SusanKhalje
Threads contributing editor Susan Khalje shows how to expertly finish a garment created with embellished fabric. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/11236/working-with-embellished-fabrics-part-2Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:31:56 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10906/working-with-embellished-fabrics-part-i
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10906/working-with-embellished-fabrics-part-i
Posted by SusanKhalje
Embellished fabrics can be intimidating to work with. Care and effort, however, could yield beautiful results. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10906/working-with-embellished-fabrics-part-iTue, 05 Jan 2010 14:56:30 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/11405/close-up-with-charles-kleibacker
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/11405/close-up-with-charles-kleibacker
Posted by SusanKhalje
An interview with the “Master of the Bias” on fabric, design, and being original. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/11405/close-up-with-charles-kleibackerMon, 07 Dec 2009 15:02:06 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/9385/installing-a-decorative-zipper
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/9385/installing-a-decorative-zipper
Posted by SusanKhalje
This installation is a little different - the zipper is placed into a partially-sewn seam. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/9385/installing-a-decorative-zipperMon, 23 Nov 2009 12:37:03 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10522/the-trousseau-of-the-may-queen
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10522/the-trousseau-of-the-may-queen
Posted by SusanKhalje
An exhibit currently showing in Paris displays the stunning royal trousseau of Marie-Jose of Savoy and its fabulous array of 1930's haute couture. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10522/the-trousseau-of-the-may-queenTue, 13 Oct 2009 10:15:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/9373/hemming-a-pleated-skirt
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/9373/hemming-a-pleated-skirt
Posted by SusanKhalje
Here's a tip or two for hemming a pleated skirt. While most of the hem is straightforward, the back edges of the pleats need to be treated differently. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/9373/hemming-a-pleated-skirtMon, 10 Aug 2009 10:00:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/7645/mary-mcfadden-exhibit-in-dc
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/7645/mary-mcfadden-exhibit-in-dc
Posted by SusanKhalje
Visit the Mary McFadden exhibit at the National Museum of Women in Washington, D.C. to see this designers amazing garments and her inspiration. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/7645/mary-mcfadden-exhibit-in-dcMon, 13 Jul 2009 12:52:57 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6994/choosing-chanel-style-jacket-trims
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6994/choosing-chanel-style-jacket-trims
Posted by SusanKhalje
We'll look at a number of options for trimming Chanel-style jackets ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6994/choosing-chanel-style-jacket-trimsTue, 12 May 2009 17:08:32 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6996/padded-cord-ties-better-knots
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6996/padded-cord-ties-better-knots
Posted by SusanKhalje
Learn to make padded cord ties to embellish any garment. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6996/padded-cord-ties-better-knotsMon, 05 Jan 2009 11:45:00 -0500http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5135/a-hand-picked-zipper-is-worth-the-effort
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5135/a-hand-picked-zipper-is-worth-the-effort
Posted by SusanKhalje
Show off your stitches with this easy-to-learn technique. ]]>http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5135/a-hand-picked-zipper-is-worth-the-effort